THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN

One of you asked me a really tough question yesterday. You wanted to know if John was a "good patient." I guess I'd have to say "Yes, and No." He's a very sweet patient. Nurses love him because he's never cantankerous or demanding. He never argues with them, or openly refuses to do anything they ask of him, and he usually has a smile or a joke for them.

On the other hand, just because he seems agreeable, does not mean he's actually going to follow through on anything you've asked of him. He's not really a proactive kind of guy. He's more of a "just give me another pill and I'll be on my way" kind of guy. He did go to Weight Watchers meetings with me for a full year, after he had his three stents put in, but he never really absorbed anything they said. He went because he liked making funny comments that cracked everyone up, and because we always went out for fajitas afterwards. He joined 24 Hour Fitness, and went maybe five times in the last five years. Whenever I ask him to go walking with me, he says "Maybe later. I'm too tired right now." But, of course, until he starts walking every single day, to build up his strength, there will never be a time when he doesn't feel tired. Does he ever bother to read the labels on any of the OTC meds he picks up, to make sure they are compatible with the 20 or 30 prescriptions he takes every day? No way! Real men don't read no stinkin' labels!

So, does he make me absolutely crazy sometimes? You'd better believe it. Do I love him beyond all reason? Without a doubt. Will he do what needs to be done in order to get his life back on track, and keep his dreams of living the good life in the Hill Country alive? Well, your guess is as good as mine.